Mercury is active when people are thinking or talking a lot about things they are interested in - nothing too heavy - things that make people curious or fascinated - puzzles, games, jokes that are based on wordplay or cleverness, impressions or mimicry.

Mercury challenges us to be perceptive in our thinking and agile in our communication, able to handle different points of view and changing circumstances. Even more challenging is to not misuse the power of the translator, the one who can increase understanding or spark conflict.
Similarly, comedians have the power to ease people's differences or become gossips and tricksters who stir up trouble and bring out people's baser instincts.

Wikipedia is an example of Mercury in motion, promoting the free flow of information to hold knowledge to a higher level of objectivity and improve the quality of discourse. Google translate is another example of helping people bridge gaps in communication. Comedians that can do impressions and help people to find humility in being able to laugh at themselves are bearers of Mercury's gifts.

Venus is active when you are attracted to people or aware of their attraction to you, when you are trying to make things beautiful or acting with kindness and love.

Venus challenges us to find beauty beneath the surface. It is easy to appreciate and love someone who is at the peak of their beauty and health. Not so much when someone is in pain or caught in confusion. 'Love Thy Neighbor' reminds us to practice love in action, especially in our intimate relationships.

When inner and outer beauty are present in equal measure, when grace is balanced with kindness and patience, Venus is able to bless all involved.

The Sun and Moon are operating when you are dealing with your essential life force. The position of the Sun is really the position of the Earth orbiting the Sun. The Moon orbits around us and is directly related to the tides and female menstrual cycles - thus it relates to daily and monthly moods, to mothering and being nurtured. Sun energy is what calls us to live and breathe on a moment-to-moment basis, Moon energy is what keeps us going to be able to fulfill our Solar Purpose.

The Sun and the Moon represent the challenge of life on Earth - while our minds and souls partake of the eternal, our bodies represent a fragile balance of energy, needing continuous input and processing through breathing, circulation, digestion and sleep. They represent the challenge of constant renewal, of being able to flow with the biological tides in order to support the higher functions of human life.

When we find our reason for being, our essence, the Sun and Moon become an inexaustable Source of enthusiasm and energy as well as sensitivity and willingness to nurture those in need.

Mars is active when people are taking the initiative or demonstrating strength or courage. Sports that emphasize individual strength, passion and effort are directly related to Mars.

Mars challenges us to develop strength and to stay engaged in the intensity of life without losing our temper, without letting our force become destructive. For some people the challenge is to develop the courage to stand up to someone or something unjust or cruel, for others the challenge is to keep their energy in check so as not to harm the innocent.

When people exhibit courage and strength in confronting challenges, are ready to take action at the right moment but are not easily provoked, Mars in full effect. The Martial Artist who has extraordinary power and uses it to avoid conflict has the gift of Mars.

Jupiter is active when people are working together for the common good with generosity and optimism.

Jupiter challenges us to think big, to be able to act for the benefit of others and therefore benefit self - all this while still maintaining a high standard of integrity and consideration for others weaknesses. Like Venus' challenge to develop inner beauty to balance outer beauty, Jupiter challenges us to find faith in humanity and show generosity towards others even in the midst of privation and hunger.

When we act with the good of all in mind and the recognition 'I am my brother's keeper', Jupiter can bless us the natural abundance of cooperative effort and the comradery of collaboration.

Saturn is active when there is commitment, sustained effort, organization and structure, conservative behavior and the rule of law. On an individual level, Saturn shows up when people are facing depression, failure or are 'hitting a wall' in some way.

The challenge of Saturn is to be conservative, realistic and organized without losing sight of what we are trying to protect. Saturn reminds us to keep our priorities straight, keep a high level of integrity and stay true to our Life Purposes. On a personal level, Saturn often is just reminding us to slow down and get in touch with what is really important to us.

When we stick to our essential priorities and stay humble, Saturn gives us the gifts of patience and authenticity.

Uranus is active when things are changing fast, when innovation is happening.

Uranus challenges us to innovate, to look for a better way of doing things without disrespecting our ancestry, the status quo that was yesterday's innovation. Even as we are working to create a higher level of productivity and freedom, Uranus challenges us to exercise the patience and humility to incorporate what is good about the past.

When we have the vision and courage to break free of obsolete structures and outmoded traditions but still remain responsive to current moment needs and the inertia of well worn habits, Uranus gives us the gift of true innovation.

Neptune is active when waves of collective emotion are operating through ecstatic experiences, dreams, ideals and popular culture - Art. Music, Movies or anything that takes us on a journey into imagination or other worlds of experience.

Neptune challenges us to experience the ecstasy and mystery of the Universe, to connect with our Source in Being without becoming spaced out, addicted or out of touch with reality.

When you are able connect with your Higher Power, to heal yourself and others, to be highly creative and artistic even in the midst of harsh circumstances and narrowly motivated people, Neptune will bless you with the gift of indomitable Spirit.

Pluto is active when life or death situations are happening, when transformation is taking place, when collective power is being released.

Pluto challenges us to sacrifice, to face our own mortality, to transform ourselves, to let go of comforts, appearances, and narrow self-interest - all this without trampling on the innocence and vulnerability of ourselves or others or inflicting our circumstances on them.

When we face danger and death without fear, sacrifice ourselves for a greater good and still act with kindness and patience towards others, we are blessed with the gift of Pluto.